JERUSALEMn e w s l e t t e r

l o v e t h e h o l y l a n d a n d b e l o v e d

Latin Patriarchateof Jerusalem

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Jerusalem 91141

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LATIN PATRIARCHATE PRINTING PRESSBEIT JALA – 2012

EditorialNumber 15

SePtember 2012

The chalice of pain

Pope Benedict XVI is expected to be in Lebanon on September 14, there in the shadow of the Syrian conflict, and escalating violence. The Pope will issue his Apostolic Exhortation of the Synod on the Middle East held in Rome in 2010.

This trip is an opportunity for the Pope to launch a newsappeal for the protection of Christians of the Middle East against the backdrop of the Arab Spring revolts and in the midst of political tension, sectarian and religious conflicts. Three countries, Egypt, Syria and Iraq are experiencing critical days and uncertainties about their future. In Leba-non, Syria’s neighbor, the number of refu-gees doubled in four months. And beyond Syria, there is Iran which multiplies provoca-tions against Israel, which, in turn, speaks more and more of an intervention against Tehran.

It will be difficult for Benedict XVI to ig-nore these conflicts. “We expect in a spe-cial way this post-Synodal Apostolic Exhor-tation,” said the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem on Vatican Radio. “We expect from the Pope a message of encouragement. This is not a trip for Lebanon only that the Holy Father is making, but also for the entire region. The seven Catholic Patriarchs will be there to discuss the situation as it is, even if we do not easily see an end to the violence in the Middle East,” the Patriarch concluded. What actually do Christians in the Middle East expect? That their human rights, especially religious freedom and conscience are respected; that the interna-tional community defends their aspirations to live in their country of origin in the dignity of full citizens, and not only in the light of economic inter-ests. They therefore, expect from the Pope not a universal discourse, but an exhortation that affects their daily lives with

their anxieties, and that confirms their com-mitments and expectations.

“Simon of Cyrene” Let us rise!

This papal journey begins on the day of the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross, a very important feast in Eastern Christianity. (It takes place on the anniversary of the conse-cration of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.) Today, Eastern Christians are struggling under the Cross.

Are we for our brothers in the East, Si-mons of Cyrene? Are we a spiritual, human, material support for them? Like the Pope who comes as a pilgrim of compassion, we are all called to share in the chalice of pain. East-ern Christians have a great need of Chris-tians around the world in these painful and decisive days in their history. Like Simon of Cyrene who was forced by Roman soldiers to help Jesus carry his cross, we have no other choice.

So, we can perhaps turn in silence and prayer to the three blessed Massabki broth-ers (Francis, Abdel-Mooti and Raphael) of Lebanon, who were Maronite laymen, mar-tyred during the persecution against the Church in Turkey in 1860. They remind us of what Jesus said to his people: “Do not be afraid.” May their prayers be with our broth-ers and sisters in the Middle East.

Christophe Lafontaine

Pope Benedict XVI travels to Lebanonas a pilgrim of compassion to encourage

all those in the Middle East who carry their crosses

P a G e 2 n e w s l e t t e r — J ERUSALEM

Diocese: Holy Land News

« Responsible educationas a response to violence »

JERUSALEM – On August 19, seven teenagers were arrested by Israeli police after assaulting young Palestinians three days earlier in Jerusalem. It was a case of racist lynching, added to the recent violent events this week in Bethphage, escalat-ing fears of the resurgence of violence. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem calls us to condemn all violence and focus on youth education for tolerance.

One of the victims, Jamal Junali was in a coma and transferred to the Hadassah Hospital where he was revived. The perpetrators were quickly identified with the help of surveillance cameras and interviews with witnesses. They will probably be tried and the case would have ended there. One of the young offenders, age 17, after acknowledging his actions, said he had no regrets. Violence as perpetrated by this young man has caused a stir in Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the act as “contrary to our values” while the State President Shimon Peres admitted his “shame” and “disgust”. The Jerusalem Post reported the visit of the President of the Knesset, Reuven Rivlin to the young Jamal Junali saying: “It is hard to see you lying in the hospital because of an unimaginable, outrageous act …..” I came here in the name of the State of Israel, in order to apologize and express anger over what happened.”

Bishop Shomali, Auxiliary Bishop of Jerusalem is also concerned about the violence. On August 22, he accompanied Patriarch Fouad Twal to Bethphage to support the people of this Christian neighborhood in Jerusalem who were stone-throwing and vandalism victims earlier this week. Bishop Shomali stated that: “the Peace of tomorrow will be measured with the effort that each of us will give today in the education of our children.”

Amélie de La Hougue

Succession in the NunciaturePope Benedict XVI named Arch-

bishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto as the new Apostolic Delegate in Jerusa-lem and Palestine and Apostolic Nuncio in Israel.

Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarot-to is Titular Archbishop of Numana (Italy), and until now Pontifical Rep-resentative in Australia. He takes over from Archbishop Antonio Fran-co, who has reached the venerable age of 75 years. Archishop Franco remains responsible for the nego-tiations between the Holy See and Israel concerning fiscal issues, taxes and Church lands in Israel.

Archbishop Lazzarotto was born in Carpanè (Province of Vicenza in Italy) on May 24,1942, ordained a priest and incardinated in the Diocese of Padua (Italy) on April 1, 1967.

He has a doctorate in Canon Law and in 1971 joined the diplomatic service of the Holy See. He was appointed to the Apostolic Nunciature in Zambia, Belgium, and Cuba; to the Apostolic Delegation in Jerusalem and to the Vatican Secretariat of State in the Relations for States Section.

On July 23, 1994, he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to the Hashemite King-dom of Jordan and the Republic of Iraq; as Apostolic Nuncio in Ireland on Novem-ber 11, 2000; and Apostolic Nuncio in Australia on December 22, 2007.

Archbishop Lazzarotto speaks Italian, English, French and Spanish. He be-came a Member of the Irish Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sep-ulchre in 2006.

The Editors

Israeli MP rips and destroysNew TestamentJERUSALEM - July 17, 2012 - Michael Ben Ari, an Israeli MP tore a copy of the New Tes-tament that he considers “despicable”. He was one of the members of Parliament who received a copy of the “book of wills” in the mail which contained among other things the New Testament of the Israeli Bible So-ciety. The Assembly of the Catholic Ordi-naries in the Holy Land was shocked and condemned the MP’s disgraceful comments and disrespectful act towards Christians whose faith he despised.

Patriarch sends wishesfor end of Ramadan In an address on August 1st at the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in Amman, His Beatitude Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem expressed his best wishes and that of the Latin Patriarchate to our Mus-lim brethrens on the occasion of Eid El Fitr (end of the month of fasting of Ramadan on August 19). It is an opportunity, he said, to strengthen the ties of goodwill and unders-tanding among us as one people and one Arab nation who share common concerns, suffer the same sorrows and harbor the same aspirations while we all worship the One and the same God.

ACOHL renews appealfor human trafficking victims in SinaiThe heads of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, continue to call out to the world in their deep concern for the fate of the Afri-can asylum seekers who were kidnapped as they pass through Sinai. They echoed the call of Pope Benedict XVI on March 20, 2012 for an end to the tragedies of abductions, torture and trafficking of human beings, who are our brothers and sisters.

Christians and Muslims share a mealA Ramadan l’iftar dinner brought together about 100 Muslims and Christians in Bir Zeit in a convivial atmosphere. The Ramadan meal was hosted by Father Manawel Musal-lam under the auspices of the Committee for Dialogue with Muslims. Notably present for the occasion were Patriarch Emeritus Michel Sabbah. Bishop William Shomali, Pa-triarchal Vicar for Jerusalem and Palestinian Territory.

Forty young people discover Palestine A delegation organized by the Christian Ecu-menical Foundation for the Holy Land made a two week visit to Palestine on July 6-21, 2012. Forty young Christians and Muslims from 13 U.S. states and four other countries – Australia, Canada, France, England visited their homeland. Their parents came from Haifa, Jericho, Hebron, Jerusalem, Jaffa, Birzeit, Gaza, Ramallah, and 20 other towns and villages in historic Palestine.

Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarott succeeds Archbishop Antonio Franco

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Diocese: Holy Land News

Christian lawyers meet

NAZARETH – In Nazareth, the city of Mary, the feast of the Assumption is celebrated through three distinct phases: the procession of the people, the celebration of the Mass, and the “Marian” dance more commonly known as “Sahjeh.”

Highlight of the day was a Mass celebrated on August 15 in the Basilica of the Annunciation, with the participation of 1000 to 1200 faithful of Nazareth, Galilee and foreign pil-grims. After Mass, all the faithful gathered in the courtyard of the Church to participate in the “Sahjeh” or popular Marian dance performed in honour of the Virgin Mary also known as the Dance of Swords and the Dragon, as referenced in the Scriptures from the Book of Revelation.

All participants formed a large circle, going around in a steady pace to the rhythm of clapping. In the center are two “veterans” armed with swords and shields fought’ a duel. The ‘zajjal’ recited verses of traditional greeting, inspired by the readings of the day to prevent the huge dragon from devou-ring the child at birth. The “zajjal”, who is the real leader of the dance intervened at the end of each verse to ‘separate’ the duelists, inviting the participants to repeat the verses.

This dance is typical in Nazareth during this festival through three or four families of Nazareth: Mazzawi – Zaatrah – Abboud – Zeitoun. They jealously guard the old swords

and shields, traditionally handed down from father to son.After the “dance”, the participants and the leading cha-

racters moved to the Melkite and Maronite churches to re-peat the dance that is a folkloric heritage of Nazareth.

From our correspondent in Nazareth. Photos A.K.

On July 27-29, 60 lawyers and five judges of the Eccle-siastical Court of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem met in Jericho. It was a training session on marriage organized in cooperation with the Melkite Church. The daily program in-cluded four conferences followed by intense discussions.

Father Emil Salayta, President of the Patriarchate’s Ec-clesiastical Court and organizer of this forum explained that the purpose of the meeting is to make a basic introduction of the theology of the sacrament of marriage according to Canon Law. He also clarified that, “we had an interesting discussion with Father Faisal Hijazin and Dr. Michael Man-sur (Editor’s Note: psychologist and Vice President of the Bethlehem University), concerning marital disputes and how to turn them positively…”

Dr. Jamal Khader, Mr. Is-sam Abu Nassar, Mr. Salim Copti, Mr. Nabil Mushahwar, Professor Sabbah Sabbah and Mr. Khadr Habash (legal coun-sel to the Court of the Latin Church of Jerusalem and Naz-areth) also made presentations according to their specialty. Many topics covered were: the question of the theology of

marriage, deceit or fraud, the nullity of marriage, or the ef-fects of religious marriage in society.

To conclude the conference, Mass was celebrated by His Beatitude Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. The gathering was an effective means to invite lawyers to see marriage not only from a professional aspect of their ser-vice, but also to consider the pastoral nature of the union of a man and a woman before the Lord, focusing particularly on the importance of preparation for the couples.

Laurent Charnin

* In The Holy Land, the ecclesiastical court plays the role held by the civil court in France. In other words, there is both religious and civil marriage.

After mass, all the faithful gathered in the courtyard of the Churchto participate in the popular Marian «Sahjeh»

In Nazareth, the Assumption is celebrated in a special way

P a G e 4 n e w s l e t t e r — J ERUSALEM

3rd in the presence of Bishop Giacinto Boulos Marcuzzo and many families were amazed at the numbers of the program presented by the children. Bishop Marcuzzo warmly congratulated and thanked the organizers, leaders and staff of this successful initiative and for “saving our children and our youth from a destructive moral, cultural, spiritual and educational gap that is often experienced in a vacation time badly spent.”

The Scouts of the Annunciation in Nazareth held their camp in Tabgha on July 20-28 around the Franciscan House by the Lake of Tiberias. The place was beautiful but a bit small for around 100 chil-dren and young people. They were divided according to different scout categories in various tents under the guidance of Mr. Joseph Farran.

The closing ceremony was held by the lake in the presence of families and Bishop Giacinto Boulos Marcuzzo, Patriarchal Vicar in Israel who conveyed the greetings and blessings of His Beatitude Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.

From our Nazareth correspondent

Latin Patriarchate Seminary new websiteThe Latin Patriarchate Seminary in Beit Jala has just launched its new website: www.latinseminary.org. All the latest news about the Seminary, its staff, seminarians and student are available. One can follow Biblical meditations or send prayer in-tentions. The new website is characterized by its clarity, practicality, completeness and will allow the families of seminarians, friends of the Semi-nary to follow different activities from home, all year round.

Kaytana 2012, Five days of summer campThis year, 72 children and teenagers and 11 adult counselors participated in the annual “Kaytana” for Hebrew speaking Catholic children that took place at Deir Rafat from July 16 to 20, 2012.On August 13-17, 28 children of migrant workers from the Philippines took part in a children’s sum-mer camp in south Tel Aviv – five days of fun in a church atmosphere and in Hebrew.

Every year, parishes, schools and organizations organize camps during the summer months for children and young people. We rec-ognize that this activity is very useful, yet very demanding.

Public authorities have imposed more stringent safety condi-tions, which caused a significant reduction in the number of camps this year. This highlights the merit of parishes and associations who face these problems with courage as they continue to organize sum-mer camps for our young people despite many challenges. The par-ish of Shefaamer and Scouts of Nazareth have distinguished them-selves this summer.

In July, the Latin Parish in Shefaamer organized a successful summer camp attended by 250 children with various programs, ac-cording to the testimony of the parents. “We want to stay all day! ” the children repeatedly told their parents as they went home at 13:30. The camp was advantageously economical with the help of many volunteers and parents.

The initiative was carefully organized by Father Bassam Al-Deir and seminarian Salim Haddad. The camp concluded on August

Modern Methods and Means for CatechesisThe Catechetical Centre organized a workshop for all catechism teachers in Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories under the theme “Modern Methods and Means for Catechesis” in Beit Jala from August 16 to 17, 2012 . Fifty teachers from all schools participated.

Rosary Sisters profess vowsJERUSALEM – On August 15, Sisters of the Rosary professed their vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience during the Mass of the Assumption presided by Patriarch Fouad Twal in Beit Hanina. Three Sisters professed perpetual vows and five made temporary vows.

Feast of St. Clare in Nazareth closes 800 years jubilee of Poor Clares’ FoundationOn August 11, the faithful of Galilee gathered at the Monastery of the Poor Clares in Nazareth to celebrate the feast of St. Clare. The feast took on a greater depth this year, because it coincided with the closing of the Jubilee for the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Poor Clares. The Poor Clares in of Jerusalem joyfully celebrated the solemnity of St. Clare in the Chapel of the monastery on Saturday, August 11. Many priests, Franciscans and Capuchin brothers, the custodial vicar Rev. Artemio Vitores and representatives from religious men and women communities were present. Bishop William Shomali was the main celebrant of the Eucharistic Liturgy.

Pastoral and Liturgical LifeSuccessful summer camps for children and youth in Galilee

Patriarch visits HaifaHaifa – His Beatitude, Patriarch Fouad Twal, accompanied by his Vicar in Israel, Bishop

Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo and Chancellor Father George Ayoub, made several visits to Haifa on August 19th for specific and special reasons.

The Patriarch visited Archbishop Elias Chacour of the Melkites of Acre, to wish him a speedy recovery. The conversation between the Bishops and priests was pastoral, which included discus-sions and news of the appointment of the new Nuncio in Israel and the upcoming visit of the Holy Father to Beirut, Islamic-Christian relations in the context of Ramadan, and present situation in the Arab countries.

Next stop was the Sisters of the Holy of Nazareth who have taken over the operations of the school of Nazareth for two years now. The Patriarch had previously met them and during this visit, he wanted to continually encourage them in their efforts of adapting to their new mission. The community presently has four members and awaiting the arrival of a fifth Sister. The Sisters have just completed the renovation of their private chapel and repairs are ongoing for the school chapel.

The Patriarch also visited the Franciscan Sisters CIM at the Italian hospital, expressing condolences for their losses in recent months. The Provincial Superior informed the Patriarch of some changes occurring in the community including the transfer of the provincial house from Aida (Bethlehem) to the Saint Anthony residence in Jerusalem where restructuring work has already begun.

Text from our correspondent in Haifa.

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“This is not a trip to Lebanon only that the Pope will make,but for the entire region.” Patriarch Twal

What is the truth about Pius XII ?On July 1, 2012, Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem unveiled the updated text on the wall panel that Pope Pius XII remained passive in the face of the plight of the Jews during the Holocaust and the controversial infor-mation about his attitude during World War II.

Twinning of the Parishes of Jerusalemand San MartinoThe Latin Parish of Jerusalem hosted a group of pilgrims from San Martino Parish in the Diocese of Milan on August 22nd. The signing of a twinning agreement between both parishes was celebrated during a Mass held at the Parish of St. Saviour.

Celra addresses the Christians in SyriaOn August 27, 2012, the Conference of Latin Bishops of the Arab Regions (CELRA) sent a letter to Bishop Giuseppe Nazzaro, OFM, Latin Apostolic Vicar of Aleppo/Syria and the Christians of Syria and environs. Bishop Naz-zaro’s proposal for the signing of a message for peace will be accepted at next CELRA Plenary in Amman, Jordan.

Fifteen days of prayer with Mariam BaouardyThe New City Editions in France is publishing a book to include “15 days of prayer with the Blessed Mary of Jejsus Cruciified.” The Carmelite was born in Nazareth in 1846. Mariam Baouardy is famous in the Holy Land, particu-larly in Bethlehem where she founded the Carmelite Monastery. She died on August 26, 1878. Her feast day is on August 26, celebrated by the local Christians in Bethlehem and Nazareth and in communion with the Blessed.

Pope Benedict XVI will visit Lebanon on September 14 - 16, 2012. Patriarch Fouad Twal expressed joy and assurance of prayers for the success of the Holy Father’s mission. Following is the Patriarch’s letter to the Holy Father.

Your Holiness,We receive with joy the news of your visit to Lebanon, where you again will meet your faithful to

give them the Apostolic Exhortation, the fruit of the Synod of Bishops of the Middle East in 2010.On behalf of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy

Land and the Conference of Latin Bishops in the Arab Region (CELRA), in anticipation we express our joy, and we support you with our prayers before, during and after your visit, that it bears much fruit and a blessing for the people of this land. The Holy Land had the privilege of welcoming the Pope Paul VI in 1964, Blessed John Paul II in 2000, and it keeps alive the memory of Your visit in 2009, as well as the trip to Cyprus in 2010.

Your Holiness returns to the Middle East to give us the Apostolic Exhortation. We are grateful for your advice and instructions. Your presence here is a sign of communion and witness for our region and throughout the world.

Our region is currently living in difficult conditions and we feel the need to hear your voice, teachings, prayer and sharing with all who suffer. This land, from the Synod until now, has experienced radical events that have changed plans and opened new prospects for free-dom and dignity, which are accompanied by increased violence.

We hope your visit to Lebanon and the words that you will address to the Middle East and the international community will strengthen the hope of Christians, and the process of Islamic-Christian dialogue and the values of justice and peace.

The Pastors and faithful of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem seek your Apostolic Blessing and are united in prayer for the success of your visit. In the anticipation and the joy of seeing you soon.

+ Fouad TwalLatin Patriarch of Jerusalem

President of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land (ACOHL)President of the Conference of Latin Bishops of the Arab Region (CELRA)

Pope Benedict XVI will visit Lebanon from Septem-ber 14 to 16, 2012. During this time, the Pope will pres-ent to the heads of Churches and leaders of Christian communities, the Apostolic Exhortation for the Middle East, following the Synod which took place in 2010. As a prelude to the Holy Father’s visit, His Beatitude Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem spoke to Vatican Radio: “We anticipate this Post Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, in a spe-cial way,” said the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. “It is a summary of what we wanted for our Synod.”

A Question of IdentityThe Patriarch clarified, “It goes back to the idea of belonging

to this land (editor’s note: Palestine). It is a matter of identity, of politics. (…) It is for us pastors, and a few in the international com-munity to be concerned for the presence of Christians.”

When asked, the Patriarch did not conceal his dis-appointment regarding interreligious contacts: “There has not been much progress in the dialogue with the Jews, even if there are people of good will.” “Even the feast of Ramadan, which presented a good op-portunity for openness and dialogue to seek peace,

did not prevent or minimize the rise of certain Muslim radicalism.“ What concerns the Patriarch most is probably the tension and

violence that is happening in Syria, that for now, we speak less about the situation in Palestine and the occupied territories. “We expect the Pope’s message of encouragement.” The Patriarch concluded, “This is not a trip to Lebanon only that the Pope will make, but for the entire region. The seven Catholic Patriarchs will be there to discuss the situation as it is, even if we do not easily see an end to the violence in the Middle East.”

Laurent Charnin

Patriarch Twal sends wishes for Pope’s trip to Lebanon

Our Church in the Middle East

Projects of the Latin Patriarchate

P a G e 6 n e w s l e t t e r — J ERUSALEM

Italian Cuisine in Ramallah

RAMALLAH – A new restaurant “THE ITALIAN COURT” was inaugurated yesterday in Ramallah on the premises of the Holy Family Parish.

Many guests attended the inauguration, including the Governor of Ramallah, Dr. Leila Ghannam, a Muslim; the Mayor of Ramal-lah, Mrs. Janette Mikhail, Christian; Auxiliary Bishop Shomali of Jerusalem; and the Consul General of Italy in Jerusalem, Mr. Giampaolo Cantini. Special guests of honor, friends of the General Confederation of Italian Crafts (GCIF) with the presence of its National Presi-dent, Mr. Giorgio Guerrini; and the Secretary General, Mr. Cesare Fumagalli, in addition to the three vice-presidents and other friends.

The project started a year ago when some parishioners thought of a “School of Italian Cuisine”. The initial idea was to create a training course to help young people find work in Ramallah. The GCIF through ANCOS (National Association of Sports and Social Communities), funded the project and so pur-chased a new kitchen to make available chef training courses. One thing led to another and so the par-ish priest of Ramallah proposed to fix a couple of rooms to open courses in hotel management to be

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included in the curriculum of the school in Ramallah. In September, the first class will welcome the first 15 students.

A few months ago, Providence, in the form of friends of the General Confederation of Italian Crafts facilitated a further step forward: a great hall has been repaired and converted into a restaurant where one can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine. After holding the first course of Italian cuisine in the month of February, Chef Paul Ferri, a young Italian, willingly offered to help young people in Ramallah open the restaurant.

And now the dream has come true. Many friends who were present at the opening in Ramallah were able to taste the delicious appetizers followed by some great lasagna, a chicken dish with peppers, and delicious chocolate cake with vanilla sauce. The meal was accompanied by an excellent Chianti red wine.

Our hope is that many, many friends can enjoy the good things cooked with love, passion and in “Italian style” by the young people in Ramallah.

Correspondent in Ramallah

For further information visit www.lpj.org :

• Patriarchate sends wishes for the Pope’s trip to Lebanon.

• CELRA addresses the Christians in Syria.

• Conversions under pression in Gaza ?

• Patriarch attends investiture of Knights in Andria.

• Appointment with the Christians of the East.

• Iconography for Unity.

• Men for God: ordinations in the Holy Land.

• Celebration for 150 years of Mission in the East at St. Peter in Gallicantu.

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Latin Patriarchateof JerusalemP.O.B. 14152Jerusalem 91141Tel: + 972 2 628 23 23Fax: + 972 2 627 16 52Media office :meo@latinpat.org

Press release

The Church of the Nativity,

a world heritage site

JERUSALEM – The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem wel-comes the decision of Friday, June 29 that the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, West Bank, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The “site of Jesus’ birth” is a major site in pilgrimage to Bethlehem.

The Patriarchate is stressed that Bethlehem, before being recognized as the first site in the Palestinian territory to be in-cluded in the UNESCO list, already belongs to the World Heritage Site; if one considers that two billion Christians venerate the place and that one billion Muslims recognize Jesus as a prophet. It is recognition by almost half of humanity! For the Patriarchate, this declaration of UNESCO is in itself very positive.

The fact that the Palestinian Authority has worked for this statement is also a sign of a diplomatic victory. Bethlehem is part of the Palestinian territories, so for the PA it is a right and at the same time a duty. That said, it is not the only issue to be ad-dressed.

The UNESCO decision may also recognize the interest of Palestinian Christians in the Holy Places, and their desire to en-courage pilgrimages and religious tourism. Recall that Bethlehem is the first tourist site of the Palestinian territories (two million visi-tors in 2011).

The Patriarchate has also pointed out that this inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage demonstrates an intention to protect the holy sites from atmospheric and other hazards.

There is the internal regulation, the Status Quo, which reg-ulates relations between the various Christian communities and their rights and duties in relation to the operation and maintenance of the Basilica of the Nativity. It is desirable that UNESCO and the Palestinian Authority fulfill this peculiarity and not intervene except in extraordinary cases.

Christophe Lafontaine

Manger Square, a large paved courtyard in front of the Church

The interior of the Church of the Nativity

The Grotto of the Nativity